Shape safer driving outcomes across Aotearoa by lifting regulatory performance and industry standards
Use your expertise in interpreting legislation and policy to make robust principled regulatory decisions supported by strong verbal and written decision rationale
Permanent position located in Christchurch or Auckland
Te Whiwhinga mahi The opportunity
We have an opportunity for Senior Licensing Officers to join our Driver Testing and Training team where you will audit and assess testing officer and course providers to ensure drivers meet the driving standards required to ensure safety on New Zealand roads.
If you are keen to make a genuine contribution towards the lives of Kiwis and have the values that we are looking for we are keen to hear from you!
View the position description here.
Appointment base salary is from $96401 to $111622 commensurate to skills and experience (mid-point $101474).
Ko koe tēnei About you
This role will draw on your experience and ability to engage with industry to promote compliance through education respond to non-compliance and influence behaviour using a range of regulatory tool including suspension revocation prosecution or other appropriate enforcement actions. You will be confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders able to navigate challenging conversations while focusing on the most effective levers to achieve bestpractice and regulatory compliance outcomes.
To be successful in this role you will bring:
Experience conducting assessments audits or investigations to ensure compliance with legislation or policy
Ability to educate and influence positive safety outcomes across a diverse industry
Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying legislation regulations or policy in a regulatory or compliance environment
Proven ability to analyse complex information and make sound evidencebased decisions
Strong written and verbal communication skills including clear documentation of decision rationale
Confidence working with ambiguity and applying judgement within legislative and organisational frameworks
Ability to assess risk and determine appropriate responses within delegation and statutory obligations
Adaptability in your approach to achieve the best outcomes
Strong relationshipbuilding skills and an appreciation for different perspectives
Sound analytical and problemsolving capability
Resilience professionalism and the ability to be firm and fair
You will demonstrate knowledge of or a willingness to gain an understanding of Te Ao Māori and promote tikanga and Te Reo Māori. You will also have knowledge of or a willingness to gain an appreciation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) as it applies in the public sector.
Ko wai mātou About us
As the lead regulator for land transport our purpose is to ensure that the system is safe efficient effective and operates in the public interest. Safety is a top priority for NZTA and we as Te Rōpu Waeture (the Regulatory Services group) aim to improve safety and reduce the risk of harm by being a firm and fair real-world regulator applying principles of good practice grounded in Te Ao Maori - Whakapono (Integrity) Manaakitanga (Caring for people) Whanaungatanga (Relationships) and Kotahitanga (Unity).
Being a real-world regulator means we take a systems view that is focused on improving safety outcomes and reducing harm we work to understand why people behave the way they do and are pragmatic in how we respond we encourage and educate to support people to comply and enforce compliance when necessary.
Ka whiwhi koe i te aha What you will get in return
We care about our people and invest in supporting our staff at NZTA. If you join us you can expect:
A supportive working environment
Flexible working options
A competitive salary package aligned with your skills and experience
5 weeks annual leave and other great benefits.
Rā Katinga Applications close:
24 February 2026For further information email:
To be considered for this position you must have a legal right to live and work in New Zealand.
Waka Kotahi is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We recognise the importance of diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing a working environment that embraces these values. Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.
Please note that we may begin shortlisting as we receive applications. We encourage early applications as we may withdraw the advertising at any time.
Required Experience:
Senior IC